THE family of missing Brit Simon Robinson copped a series of sick ransom texts before he revealed he was safe in a relieving call with his sister.
Simon, 27, was missing for two weeks after a solo trip to Thailand – and online ghouls tried to take advantage of worried loved ones.
In messages seen by The Sun, one social media user demanded $20,000 (£15,700), threatening to kill Lincolnshire lad Simon if the funds weren’t sent within seven days.
The messages said: “I can tell you that Simon is with us, and if you want him to return safely to you, you will have to pay $20,000.
“Or he will be killed if he does not pay the amount.
“Also, I do not recommend telling the government about this because Simon’s life will be in danger.
“You have 7 days to meet.”
Other messages claimed Simon was kidnapped.
They said: “When you send the money, we tell you about the site and we leave.
“He was kidnapped near Suvarnabhumi Airport.”
Simon’s sister Sarah slammed the social media cowards for attempting to capitalise on distraught family members in crisis.
She told The Sun: “It is sad and disgusting that people would stoop so low when we are already going through so much.”
Simon jetted into Thailand for a solo trip on July 22, planning to stay until August 3.
But he phoned his girlfriend on July 26, letting her know he was cutting his holiday short.
When friends and family hadn’t seen or heard from him days later, they started using social media to desperately raise awareness that he was missing.
Initially, they feared he was lost in the Bangkok streets.
But it was then discovered Simon boarded a flight to Finnish capital Helsinki, before failing to jump on a connecting jet into Manchester.
Sarah last night had a phone call with Simon, confirming he was safe.
It remains unclear exactly where Simon is, or why he went off-grid, but Sarah was relieved.
She told The Sun: “Simon rang me and apologised. He’s okay thank God.
“He didn’t say [where he was]. I’m just so happy he is okay.
“I didn’t ask if he was coming back. I was just so relieved to hear his voice.”
The family vented their fury at police in the UK and Thailand, accusing them of not helping.
Sarah, from Barnsley, told South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Alan Billings, in a complaint letter: “As Simon’s sister, I feel neglected and unsupported during this distressing time.
“This situation is causing significant emotional distress to Simon’s family and friends.
“The uncertainty and lack of progress are unbearable, and we are desperate for answers and action.”
South Yorkshire police previously told The Sun they instructed the family to deal with Thai cops instead.
